Questions to Ask Before Giving Your Clients a Holiday Gift

Posted on 11/18/2013

It’s almost that time of the year. That magnificent day we get to sit around a table, cram as much turkey and mashed potatoes into our tummies as possible and sit back with that top button unlatched chatting with family and friends. All the while pondering what we’re most thankful for, namely the people surrounding your table.

Now, before you slip away for your turkey holiday, remember to first thank your clients for their business. You value their business and appreciate their continued support—now is a great time of year to show it. And we’ve got a few ideas on how to go about doing just that:

Are your clients book worms?
Your clients are business people and therefore may appreciate some business related books. And contrary to what you may have been reading 20 years ago, business reads don’t have to be dull or monotonous. May we suggest Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, The Dip by Seth Godin (or any one of his fantastic books) or Good to Great by Jim Collins.

Are your clients...humans?
Assuming your clients are human, you can safely assume that they eat food. A signature food from your state is a particularly good move for out of state clients. Include a note explaining your potentially random choice.

Do they write?
This idea can go one of two ways. First, a handwritten thank you note. It’s classic and gives a simple gift: kind words. Another option is to send them a nice set of thank you notes. Just be sure to stick to a simple design (avoid anything too frilly or floral).

Are they charitable?
This is a nice option for businesses that are fairly well off. Opt to make a charitable donation in their name. With charity gift cards, the recipient goes on line and chooses which charity they’d like to donate to.

How do they feel about water buffalo?
Yes, we said water buffalo. Along the lines of the suggestion above, you could make a donation to a specific charity. Perhaps Heifer International, a nonprofit which gifts farm animals to families in developing countries so they can be self-sustainable. And bonus, it doesn’t even have to be a water buffalo. You have more choices: cow, goat or pig.

Are they foodies?
Purchase a quality apron and screen print either your company’s name or theirs on it. With Thanksgiving and the holidays coming up, it’s a great for upcoming holiday meal prep. And it’s practical (our favorite kind of gift).

Are they dessert people?
Cookies. It’s a pretty easy equation: clients + cookies = happiness. You can’t help but smile when you get a delicious package of freshly baked chocolate chip (or any flavor for that matter) cookies delivered to your doorstep. Bake them yourself or order them from a company—either way your clients will enjoy a tasty treat, made with love.

Do they need a buzz of caffeine in the morning?
Generally business folk have a morning drink. Whether they grab tea or coffee, we can’t tell you. If you don’t know, no worries. Send a combo package. Look for a nice quality bean. And if they’re tea drinkers, look for a few new varieties of loose leaf for them to brew on these chilly fall mornings.

If you don’t know your clients very well go for the fail-safes (cookies, coffee, etc.). But if you know what they like, adapt accordingly.

No matter what you decide to give them, the importance is in the gesture.